Book: Hope

Shelby Van Pelt mentions in her bio inside "Remarkably Bright Creatures" that, although that was her first novel, she'd had a short story published earlier.  The compendium on a tiny independent press (TL;DR Press, love the name!) is a collection of short short stories and poems all on the theme of hope.

I can use some cheering up, so I ordered it.

I've read a lot of short story compendiums lately, and I'm used to them ranging from very good to astoundingly good.

This one doesn't.  It ranges from okay to just plain awful.  Truly awful.  Example:

Quote :

Plates and stomachs go empty,
With the coronavirus exacerbating food insecurity,
But through all we strive to make a difference
We are nourished
Hearts are rekindled with faith
When communities come together,
Sharing food, the embodiment of care,
Along with encouragement.
Their presence and support
Reminds you:
You are not alone.

I guess not every writer has to be good, and not every editor has to be able to recognize that.